How to Install Celluloid on Ubuntu 24.04/22.04/20.04

Celluloid is a sleek, user-friendly media player designed for Linux users. It’s built on GStreamer and offers a lightweight, modern interface that supports various media formats. Its simple yet powerful features, Celluloid, enhance your media playback experience on Ubuntu.

• Supports multiple media formats
• Built on GStreamer for reliable performance
• Lightweight and user-friendly interface
• Optimized for Linux

This guide will explore several methods to install Celluloid on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS distros. You’ll learn to use the default Ubuntu apt repository, the Launchpad PPA, Snapcraft, and Flatpak with the Flathub repository. Each approach caters to different preferences and system setups, ensuring you can choose the best method.

Method 1: Install Celluloid via APT

The first method to install Celluloid on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 is to use the APT package manager. There are two options: one with the Ubuntu default repository, which is the most stable and secure, or another, importing a well-known PPA that has been maintaining Celluloid.

Option 1: Install Celluloid via Ubuntu’s Default Repository

The first option is straightforward; in your terminal, run the following command:

sudo apt install celluloid

Option 2: Install Celluloid via PPA

The next option is to install Celluloid via PPA. First, import the PPA with the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xuzhen666/gnome-mpv

Once imported, run a quick update to ensure the APT cache is up-to-date:

sudo apt install celluloid

After installation, run a command like APT Policy to verify the installation of the PPA version. This command will show you the installed source and version:

apt-cache policy celluloid

As mentioned, install the significantly updated version of Celluloid using the PPA. If you prefer not to use PPAs but want updated software through a package manager, install Celluloid on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 via Snapcraft or Flatpak through Flathub. We will cover the following best options in the sections below.

Method 2: Install Celluloid via Snapcraft

The second option we will cover is to install Celluloid on Ubuntu through Snapcraft, a platform natively available on Ubuntu distributions, courtesy of ownership by Canonical.

Verify Snap Presence for Celluloid Installation

Begin by confirming the installation of Snap. In some cases, it might be absent; therefore, ensure its presence by running the command below:

sudo apt install snap -y

Note: Skip this step if Snap has already been installed on your system.

Install Celluloid via Snap Command

Proceed to install Celluloid via Snap by executing the command presented below:

sudo snap install celluloid

Method 3: Install Celluloid via Flatpak and Flathub

This guide will cover the last method to install Celluloid: installing the software with the Flatpak package manager utilizing the Flathub repository. Ubuntu users may not know that the Linux community highly regards Flatpak as a secure package manager because it uses sandboxing functionality to create a secure environment for each application, reducing system-wide risks. Flathub, working alongside Flatpak, serves as a central repository and digital warehouse for various applications, including Celluloid, simplifying installation.

Note: Ensure your system supports Flatpak before installing Celluloid. If not, you’ll need to install Flatpak first. For detailed instructions, refer to our informative guide on installing Flatpak.

Add Flathub Repository for Celluloid

The first step towards installing Celluloid is integrating the Flathub repository into your system. This integration facilitates the effortless installation of Celluloid and various other Flatpak applications.

Execute the following command in your terminal for integration:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command incorporates the Flathub repository into your existing Flatpak structure, preparing your system to install Celluloid and other applications.

Install Celluloid via Flatpak Command

With the Flathub repository now integrated, you can proceed with installing Celluloid. This process is initiated with the flatpak install command. For installing Celluloid, use the following:

flatpak install flathub io.github.celluloid_player.Celluloid -y

This command pulls Celluloid from the Flathub repository and installs it onto your system in a streamlined manner.

Launching Celluloid

You can launch the application with CLI or the GUI application icon after you have installed Celluloid.

CLI Methods to Launch Celluloid

The first option you can immediately launch the application utilizing the run command that matches your installed method:

celluloid

snap run celluloid

flatpak run io.github.celluloid_player.Celluloid

GUI Method to Launch Celluloid on Ubuntu

Most desktop users would most likely use the application icon to launch Celluloid; you can find this with the following path:

Activities > Show Applications > Celluloid

Additional Commands with Celluloid

This section will quickly cover how to update all package managers using CLI and learn how to remove Celluloid for those who no longer wish to use it.

Update Celluloid

Depending on the package manager you use to install Celluloid on Ubuntu, run the corresponding update command that will blanket check all installations done by that package manager, which, if a Celluloid update is available, will prompt you to upgrade along with anything else:

APT Method to Update Celluloid

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Snap Method to Update Celluloid

snap refresh

Flatpak Method to Update Celluloid

flatpak update

Remove Celluloid

In this last section of additional commands with Celluloid on Ubuntu, if you no longer wish to have Celluloid installed, use the corresponding command that matches the package manager you originally used to install the software below.

APT Method to Remove Celluloid

sudo apt remove celluloid

Additionally, PPA installations should remove the PPA if you no longer wish to install Celluloid, especially from the PPA.

Snap Method to Remove Celluloid

sudo snap remove celluloid

Flatpak Method to Remove Celluloid

flatpak remove io.github.celluloid_player.Celluloid

Conclusion

This guide walked you through installing Celluloid on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 using different methods: the default Ubuntu repository, LaunchPAD PPA, Snapcraft, and Flatpak via Flathub. Each method is easy to follow and tailored to user preferences and system setups. For the best experience, choose the method that fits your needs and system configuration. If you encounter any issues, check the respective documentation for troubleshooting tips.